Aussie surfer injured in Bali left with medical bill after missing fine print in travel insurance
Australian surfer injured in Bali, left with medical bills after missing the fine print in travel insurance
An Australian tourist who suffered ‘life-changing’ injuries in Bali has racked up a huge medical bill after making a common mistake with his travel insurance.
Ehrin Coupe was surfing at Uluwatu Beach, 40 miles south of Denpasar, Indonesia, when things hit their worst last Friday.
A wave hit him and he suffered “serious injuries to his nose and forehead,” for which he was rushed to a hospital in Nusa Dua for surgery.
The cost of the procedure and other treatments rose to $25,000, with Mr Coupe suffering another blow after learning the costs were not covered by travel insurance.
Australian surfer Ehrin Coupe (pictured) suffered serious injuries after an accident while surfing the waves at a beach in Indonesia and was rushed to a nearby hospital
His wife Sarah said the couple had taken out ‘comprehensive top cover travel insurance for 12 months’.
She admitted that she had not read the fine print which stated that each trip could last a maximum of 60 days.
“I thought we were covered for 12 months,” she wrote on Facebook.
Mrs. Coupe has been forced to turn to friends back home to cover her husband’s medical expenses.
After contacting North Shore Boardriders, a surf club on the Sunshine Coast, in southeast Queensland, a fundraising campaign was set up by a family friend.
Shane Bevan launched the GoFundMe revealing that the couple had to raise another $30,000 for a ‘medical evacuation’ and bring him home.
Mr Bevan said his friend’s ‘situation is dire’ and urged people to donate.
“Ehrin’s devoted wife, Sarah, reached out to us in this time of need,” he wrote.
“She has asked for our help in creating a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds for his medical treatment, including a crucial $30,000 for a medical evacuation to ensure his safety.”
‘Despite the severity of his injuries, Ehrin’s mood remains cheerful.’
‘Together we can help him get the medical care he urgently needs. Please let us come together as a community and make a positive impact on Ehrin’s life during this challenging time.”
Approximately $18,291 has been raised so far.
Mr Coupe’s wife, Sarah (photo left), was unaware of the couple’s travel insurance. It only covered one-way trips of up to 60 days after their insurance policy failed to pay Mr Coupe’s medical bills.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover the medical bills of Mr Coupe (left) after his wife Sarah (right) launched a desperate appeal for help by turning to friends back home to help cover staggering medical costs for treatment to help her husband pay
Compare Travel Insurance director Natalie Ball said not reading the fine print on policies is a big mistake.
She urged holidaymakers to be aware of all terms and conditions.
“Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn’t cover everything, something many travelers learn the hard way,” Ms Ball said. Yahoo.
‘Although it may take a long time, the Product Disclosure Statement is available and sets out what is and is not covered. It is essential that you pay particular attention to the General Exclusions section and, if in doubt, ask your insurer questions.
‘Always read the fine print to reduce the chance of nasty surprises, so you can travel with peace of mind.’